Preparation of Magnesium Ion-loaded Hydrogel and Study on Its Regulating Polarization Performance of RAW264.7 Cells

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.08.009

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the physicochemical properties of hydrogel scaffolds loaded with different concentrations of magnesium ions and their effects on the proliferation and polarization of mouse monocytic macrophage leukemia cell line RAW264.7. Methods: Composite hydrogel scaffolds loaded with different mass percentages of magnesium ions were prepared by physically blending gelatin methacryloyl (GeLMA) with different masses of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂). The scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, etc., and their degradation and sustained release properties were tested. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated by live/dead cell staining, CCK-8 assay, and cytoskeleton staining. The effects of each group of scaffolds on the polarization of RAW264.7 were detected by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Magnesium ions were successfully loaded into GelMA and promoted the polarization of RAW264.7 to M2 type through sustained release. Conclusion: GelMA/Mg²⁺ hydrogels have good biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and drug release ability, and can promote the polarization of RAW264.7 to M2 type.

Key words: magnesium ion, hydrogel, RAW264.7, immunoregulation, osteogenic differentiation

LIU Yang, YANG Jilei, LI Xiaoyu, WANG Wenli, ZUO Xiaoxuan, LI Yourui, SONG Hualei. Preparation of Magnesium Ion-loaded Hydrogel and Study on Its Regulating Polarization Performance of RAW264.7 Cells[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(8): 688-695.

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